Explore the past Live the present

From Liverpool's Daily Post last Saturday:

In Malta you'll find an amazing cocktail of UK, Italian and Arabian cultures. You can explore 7000 years of history yet live passionately in the present. You'll span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And wherever you go, the island's scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking. Honey coloured stones sit alongside the deepest of Mediterranean blues.

Described as one big open-air museum, what makes Malta unique is that so much of the past is visible today. You can delve into the islands' mysterious history, retrace the footsteps of St Paul or see where the Knights of St John defended Christen-dom. Malta is no regular museum though, it is the new place to be seen in 2004 after receiving an injection of Hollywood glamour. You can visit the Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha beaches, used as location for the hit movie Troy, starring Brad Pitt, or go off the beaten track into the ancient villages. Marvel at the fireworks and revelry of the summertime festivals.

Between the months of May and October every parish celebrates its Saints' Day with a grand "festa''. Parish churches are decorated with flowers and expensive embellishments. Thousands of light bulbs are used in the churches and to line the streets while a procession lead by a hand carried statue of the parish saint, followed by the local band, march through villages. This is the Maltese way of life at its most religious, yet the atmosphere is one of merriment. A truly awe inspiring spectacle, well worth seeing.

Maltese cuisine is basically British and continental with a strong Sicilian influence, meaning bangers and mash are not too hard to find. However, the Maltese do have some of there own delicious specialities that are worth trying. Timpana (macaroni in a pastry case), ross il-forn (baked rice in a bolognese sauce) and hut biz-Zalza (local fish cooked withGozo's citadel in Malta capers and tomato sauce) are popular choices.

From dancing the night away in lively clubs to dining al fresco on romantic courtyards, you'll find something to do to suit all moods. Malta offers a vibrant calendar of educational theatre performances and concerts, many of which are held outdoors, in historic venues or at the floodlit Grand Harbour. As well as this cultural aspect, Malta is fast becoming a place for clubbing. Top international DJs have made guest appearances this year with the resorts of Paceville and St Julian's playing host.

The capital Valletta is easily explored on foot although by horse and carriage is a far more enjoyable option. Renting a car is also a good idea. The best way to get a good look at this breathtaking island is by sea. Set sail from Valletta passing the impressive fortifications that line the Grand Harbour. Head south enjoying unimpaired views of the quaint fishing villages of Marsascala and Marsaxlokk where you can catch a glimpse of the colourful fishing boasts moored in the bay. Further south admire the pristine waters of the Blue Grotto caves, in sharp contrast to that the imposing Dingli Cliffs and not forgetting yet another important landmark, "Popeye Village'' in the picturesque Anchor Bay. If your sea legs tend to let you down, organised tours of the islands famous landmarks are easy to come by. Be sure to see the magnificent Mosta Dome Church, the handicrafts village of Ta Qali, the old medieval capital of Mdina and "the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen'', Valletta.